Metizolam

metizolam (also known as desmethyletizolam) is a synthetic depressant of the thienodiazepine chemical class that reportedly produces etizolam-like effects such as anxiety suppression, disinhibition, sedation, muscle relaxation and memory suppression when administered. it is half as potent and has a 60% longer half-life than etizolam.

this compound was patented in 1995 by a japanese company as a medication for treating anxiety. despite this, it has little to no history of human usage prior to its release as a grey area research chemical by online vendors in september 2015.

similar to benzodiazepines, the sudden discontinuation of thienodiazepines can be potentially dangerous or life-threatening for individuals using regularly for extended periods of time, sometimes resulting in seizures or death. it is highly recommended to taper one’s dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day for a prolonged period of time instead of stopping abruptly.

chemistry

metizolam, or desmethyletizolam, is a structural relative of benzodiazepines whereby the benzene ring has been replaced by a thiophene ring, classifying it as a thienodiazepine. it differs structurally from its parent compound etizolam through the removal of the methyl group on the triazole ring.

metizolam contains a thiophene ring fused to a diazepine ring, which is a seven member ring with the two nitrogen constituents located at r₁ and r₄. thiophene is a five member aromatic ring with one sulfur atom. this forms the thienodiazepine core of metizolam. an ethyl chain is bound to this bicyclic structure at r₇.

additionally, an r₂ chlorine-substituted phenyl ring is bound to this structure at r₅. metizolam also contains a triazole ring fused to and incorporating r₁ and r₂ of its diazepine ring. deschloroetizolam shares this fused triazole ring substitution with certain benzodiazepine substances, called triazolobenzodiazepines (distinguished by the suffix “-zolam”).

pharmacology

thienzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (gaba) by acting on its receptors. as this site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the sedating (or calming effects) of metizolam on the nervous system.